Vibratory ripper plow

ABSTRACT

An elongated ripper plow blade attached to an intermediate member by a mechanical link allowing limited vertical movement and a plurality of resilient pads designed to enhance vibratory movement and the intermediate link being connected to a vertically movable frame so as to allow limited rotary movement thereof about a vertical axis. A hydraulically operated rotary eccentric attached to the plow blade to produce vibratory movement of the plow blade to enhance the ripping or plowing action.

United States Patent [72] Inventor James L. Evans 3,217,551 1 l/1965Bod'ine 74/87 Minneapolis, Minn. 3,256,695 6/1966 Bodine 172/40X [2]}Appl. No. 727,987 3,336,082 8/1967 Bodine 172/40X [22] Filed May 9,19683,349,854 10/1967 Cain et al.... 172/40 [45] Patented Feb. 9, 19713,461,971 8/1969 Sprenkel 172/710 [73] Assignee Universal Vibro, Inc.FOREIGN PATENTS "F Mmmsma' by meme 6,606,099 1 H1967 Netherlands 172/40assignment to Primary Examiner-Robert E. Pulfrey Assistant Examiner-C.Coughenour VIBRATORY RIPPER PLOW Attorney-Merchant & Gould 3 Claims, 8Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 172/40,

61/725; 172/264, 172/710 ABSTRACT: An elongated ripper plow bladeattached to an [51] lnLCl A0lb 35/06 intermediate member by a mechanicali allowing limited [50] Fleld of Search 172/40, vertical movement and aplurality f resilient pads designed to 464, 264, 61/72-6 enhancevibratory movement and the intermediate link being 5 6 R f Ct dconnected to a vertically movable frame so as to allow limited 1 eerences l e rotary movement thereof about a vertical axis. Ahydraulically UNITED STATES PATENTS operated rotary eccentric attachedto the plow blade to 2,517,733 8/1950 Takats 172/40 produce vibratorymovement of the plow blade to enhance the 3,103,250 9/ 1963 Lamb 172/40ripping or plowing action.

a 3/ t E \l /0 ,ar

Z5 9a l 6 "'1',

| l A? l I, (O l t 1; 7 79 -55 2g i 30 ll 4g 77 (I 44 PATENTEU FEB 91971SHEET 1 BF 3 MN l I l l II w. x w v V w 'INVENTOR. d A/v/Es L. E VANS BWM A1- TORNE Y$| PATENTEU FEB 919m 7 SHEET 3 OF 3 INVUNTUR. (JAMES L. EVANS BY flmdmww A TTORNEYS VIBRATORY RIPPER PLOW BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION l Field of the Invention Ripper plows in general areheavy-duty plows utilized to break up exceptionally hard ground, rockysoil, old road beds and the like for construction or other improvementsthereon. The ripper plows are utilized simply to break up the soil andany additional work is generally performed with additional tools orimplements.

2. Description of the Prior Art In the prior art ripper plows generallyconsist of a blade fixedly attached to a frame which may have wheelsthereon or may be fixedly attached to a tractor or the like. The ripperplow is then utilized to break up the ground by shear brute SUMMARY OFTHE INVENTION The present invention pertains to a vibratory ripper plowapparatus which includes a frame having at least a rear portion thereofwhich is vertically movable, an elongated ripper plow blade, meansmounting the blade on the frame for limited rotational movement about avertical axis and for vibratory movements, and means attached to theplow blade for producing vibratory movements therein.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improvedvibratory ripper plow.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a ripper plowhaving a blade mounted so that it is free to vibrate in at least avertical direction.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a ripper plowhaving vibratory means attached thereto for providing vibrating motiontherein.

These and other objects of this invention will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art upon consideration of the accompanyingspecifications, claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to the drawings, whereinlike characters indicate like parts throughout the figures:

FIG. 1 is a view in side elevation of the present ripper plow apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a view in top plan of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectionalview as seen from the line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view as seen from the line 4-4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a view in side elevation similar to FIG. 1, parts thereofremoved, illustrating the apparatus in a different position;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view as seen from the line 6-6 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a view in side elevation similar to FIG. 5 illustrating adifferent embodiment; and

FIG. 8 is a sectional view as seen from the line 8-8 in FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings thenumeral 10 generally designates draft means; which for exemplarypurposes is illustrated as tread-type tractor. Upper and lowerclevis-type hitches 11 and 12, respectively, are fixedly attached to therear of the tractor 10. It should be understood that the particulardraft means utilized and the hitch connecting the apparatus to the draftmeans do not form a portion of this invention and are illustrated simplyfor purposes of explanation.

The plow apparatus includes a frame generally designated 15 having avertical plate 16 positioned generally perpendicular to the direction oftravel. The plate 16 has two spaced apart horizontal plates 17 and 18with vertical holes therethrough which mate with the hitches 11 and 12to receive pins 19 and 20 therethrough. A'pair of elongated members 21are affixed to the plate 16 along one edge thereof by welding or thelike so as to extend the vertical length of the plate 16 and asubstantial distance thereabove and to project rearwardly therefrom..Each of the elongated members 21 are hooked slightly rearwardly at theupper end thereof for purposes which will be explained presently. Theframe 15 also includes two upper elongated members 25 pivotally pinnedto the elongated members 21 so as to extend generally horizontallyrearwardly and in a parallel spaced apart relationship. A second lowerpair of elongated members 26 are pivotally pinned to the members 2] soas to extend generally horizontally rearwardly in a parallelspaced apartrelationship. The elongated members 25 and 26 are pivotally attachedadjacent their rearmost ends to a pair of parallel spaced apart platespositioned in a generally vertical direction and parallel to thedirection of movement. Each of the plates 27 has a generally rectangularshaped notch in the lower edge thereof and an elongated beam 30 isfixedly engaged therein by welding or the like so as to extend generallyhorizontal and perpendicular to the direction of motion.

Holes are provided through the elongated members 21 adjacent the upperends thereof in the rearwardly hooked portions and a rod 31 is fixedlyengaged therethrough. Holes are also provided through the members 26approximately midway between the front and rear ends thereof and a rod32 is fixedly engaged therethrough. A pair of hydraulic presses 33, eachhaving a cylinder pivotally connected to the rod 31 and a connecting rodattached at one end to ahydraulic piston within the cylinder ispivotally attached at the free end to rod 32, so that actuation of thehydraulic presses 33 produces vertical movement of the plates 27 and thehorizontal beam 30.

The beam 30 has one or more hollow cylinders 35 fixedly attached, withthe axes thereof generally vertical, to the front edge of the beam 30 bysome means such as welding or the like. The hollow cylinders 35 formhitches and in general have an axial length approximately equal to thevertical thickness of the beam 30. Intermediate members are pivotallyattached to the beam 30 by means of pins 39 extending through the hollowcylinders 35. While three cylinders 35 and three intermediate members 40are illustrated in the present embodiment it should be understood thatany [number of cylinders might be attached to the beam 30 and the numberof intermediate members 40 and plows attached thereto are limited onlyby the particular task being performed and the amount of power availablefrom the draft means.

Each of the intermediate means 40 are constructed so as to beapproximately similar and include upper and lower generally horizontalplates 41 and 42 spaced vertically apart a distance slightly greaterthan the vertical width of the beam 30. A pair of generally verticallypositioned plates 43 and 44 are fixedly attached to opposite sides ofthe horizontal plates 41 and 42, by welding or the like, and each of thevertical plates 43 and 44 has a rectangular shaped notch 45 in the frontsurface thereof, which coincides with the area between the horizontalplates 41 and 42. Each of the horizontal plates 41 and 42 has a holetherethrough adjacent the front edge to receive the pin 39 through theholes therein and one of the hollow cylinders 35. The beam 30 ispositioned in notch 45 between the horizontal plates 41 and 42 and thelength of the notch 45 in the direction of movement is sufficient toallow limited pivotal movement of the intermediate member 40 about thepin 39.". vertical plate 46 is affixed to the rear edges of the verticalplates 43 and 44, by some means such as welding or the like to present aflat rearwardly directed surface.

An elongated plow blade 50 having a sharpened plow point 50a at thelower forward corner thereof is affixed between two vertically upwardlyextending generally rectangular shaped supports 51 and 52. The supports51 and 52 are pinned to the upper end of the blade 50 by means of aplurality of pins 53 so that the blade 50 extends generally verticallydownwardly a substantial distance below the apparatus while the supports51 and 52 extend generally vertically upwardly above the apparatus. Aplate 54 is affixed to the forward edges of the supports 51 and 52, bywelding or the like, so as to be generally coextensive and parallel withthe plate but spaced rearwardly therefrom. A plurality of fillets 55 and56 are fixedly engaged between the supports 51 and 52 and the plate 54to provide the assembly with sufficient strength to withstand the rigorsof plowing. A third pair of fillets 57 are fixedly engaged between theupper edge of the plate 54 and the supports 51- -52 and each of thefillets 57 includes a generally horizontal arm 58 which extendsforwardly from the plate 54 past the plate 46 when the apparatus iscorrectly positioned. The arms 58 of the fillets 57 prevent transversehorizontal movement of the blade 50 and supports l52 during operationthereof.

A pair of small connecting plates 60 and 61 are fixedly attached to theforward surface of the plate 54 adjacent the lower edge thereof so as tobe approximately parallel and spaced rearwardly from the plates 43 and44 of the intermediate member 40. One end of a first elongated link 62is pivotally attached to the outwardly extending end of the connectingplate 60 and the opposite end is pivotally attached to the lower portionof the plate 43. One end of a second link 63 is pivotally attached tothe outwardly extending end of the connecting plate 61 and the other endis pivotally attached to the lower portion of the plate 44. The lengthof links 62 and 63 is such that the links 62 and 63 are approximatelyhorizontal when the plates 46 and 54 are approximately coextensive andparallel. Further, the links 62 and 63 attach the assembly holding theblade 50 to the intermediate member 40 while allowing limited verticalmovement of the blade 50.

A plurality of resilient pads generally designated 70 are affixedbetween the plate 46 and the plate 54 in the following manner. Eachresilient pads 70 includes a bracket '71 having a generally U-shapedcross section affixed to the rearward surface of the plate 46 so as topresent a generally flat rearwardly directly surface, a bracket 72affixed to the plate 54 so as to present a forwardly directed fiatsurface, and a resilient member 73 engaged therebetween. In the presentembodiment the resilient members 73 include a block of rubber or thelike having a metal plate with a plurality of threaded holestherethrough bonded to opposite surfaces of the block of material. Theresilient members 73 are affixed to the flat surfaces of the brackets 71and 72 by means of a plurality of bolts engaged through holes in thebrackets 71 and 72 and threadedly engaged into the metal plates of theresilient members 73. In the present embodiment there are threeresilient pads 70 spaced apart along a horizontal line adjacent theupper edges of the plates 66 and 54, two resilient pads 70 spaced apartimmediately therebelow and two more resilient pads 70 spaced apart belowthe second pair. There are no resilient pads 70 in the center positionsof the two lower rows of pads because of the inconvenience in replacingthe resilient members 73 upon the wearing thereof. The resilient pads 70enhance the vibratory movement of the blade 50 and supports 51-52 duringoperation of the apparatus.

The resilient pads '70 may be utilized exclusively between the plates asand 541 or a second type of resilient pad generally designated 75 may beutilized in conjunction therewith. The resilient pads 75 include a pairof horizontal plates 76 and 77 spaced apart vertically and attachedadjacent one edge to the rear surface of the plate 66. A thirdhorizontal plate '78 is affixed to the front surface of the plate 54 soas to be positioned generally between and equally spaced from the plates76 and 77. Fillets 79 are affixed between each outer edge of the plates76 through '78 and the surfaces of the plates 46 or 5% to which they areattached. A pair of resilient members 80, constructed in the fashionsomewhat similar to the resilient members 73 but containing a block ofresilient material therebetween which is somewhat longer and formedgenerally like a truncated pyramid, are affixed between the plates 7678and the plates 77-78 in a fashion similar to that described for theresilient pads 70. Thus, the resilient pads 75 are constructed toenhance and limit vertical movement of the blade 50 and the attachedmembers relative to the intermediate member 40.

A vibratory means generally designated is attached to the upper ends ofthe supports 51 and 52 and includes the fol lowing parts. The supports51 and 52 have extensions affixed thereto forming a part thereof withcoaxial holes formed therethrough and the axes thereof extendinggenerally perpendicular to the direction of motion. A hub 86 is affixedto the outer surface of the support 51 coaxial with the holetherethrough and a sleeve bearing 87 is engaged through the hub 86 andthe hole in the support 51. Similarly a sleeve bearing 88 is affixed inthe hole through the support 52. A hydraulic motor 89 is affixed to theouter surface of the support 52 with the shaft 90 thereof rotatablyengaged in the bearings 87- and 88. The hydraulic motor 89 may beconnected to a hydraulic pump on the tractor 10 by means of conduits 91.An eccentric weight 92 is attached to the shaft 90 between the supports51 and 52 for rotation therewith. When the hydraulic motor 89 isenergized through the conduits 91 the shaft 90 and eccentric weight 92rotate causing vibration of the supports 5l52 and the blade 50 of theplow apparatus. It should be understood that other types of vibratorymeans might be designed by those skilled in the art and all such meanswhich perform the functions of this invention come within the scopethereof.

In FIGS. 7 and 8 a second embodiment of the present invention isillustrated wherein parts similar to the aforedescribed embodiment aredesignated with similar numerals having a prime added to indicate thesecond embodiment. In the second embodiment a pair of generally verticalelongated bars 43 and 44' are substituted for the plates 43 and 44 andare fixedly attached to the horizontal plates 41 and 42 in a similarfashion. The vertical elongated bars 43 and 44' are spaced aparthorizontally and positioned so the rear edges thereof butt against thefront surface of the plate 46'. A third elongated bar 38 is attached tothe front surface of the plate 46 in a generally vertical orientation soas to be positioned between the bars 43 and 44. Fillets 37' are affixed,by welding or the like, between the sides of the bar 38, adjacent theupper and lower ends thereof and the front surface of the plate 46' toprovide the bar 38' with the amount of strength required for plowing.The bars 43' and 44 are fixedly attached to the bar 38' by means of pins36'- extending therethrough. The remainder of the apparatus in thesecond embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, is similar to theapparatus of the first embodiment and operates in a similar fashion.

Thus, I have disclosed a vibratory ripper plow having a blade mountedfor limited rotary movement about a vertical axis and for vibratorymotion through a plurality of resilient pads. In addition, the blade isprovided with vibratory motion by means of a vibratory device attachedthereto. Because of the vibration of the plow blade, less friction isencountered during plowing operations and a greater ground breakingaction is provided with less required force. Because less force isrequired there is less resulting breakage and damage to the plowingapparatus.

While I have shown and described a specific embodiment of thisinvention, further modifications and improvements will occur to thoseskilled in the art. I desire it to be understood, therefore, that thisinvention is not limited to the particular form shown and I intend inthe appended claims to cover all modifications which do not depart fromthe spirit and scope of this invention.

I claim:

1. Vibratory ripper plow apparatus comprising:

a. an elongated member oriented generally vertically and having a lowerportion forming a ripper plow blade;

b. vibration generating means affixed adjacent the upper end of saidelongated member for producing vibratory movements of said elongatedmember;

c. mounting frame means having a clevislike hitch affixed thereto forattaching said frame means to a draft device and allowing limitedpivotal movements about a generally vertical axis;

d. a connecting link pivotally affixed adjacent one end to saidelongated member below the longitudinal center of said elongated memberand pivotally affixed adjacent the other end to said mounting framemeans, the pivotal movements of each end of said link being aboutgenerally horizontal axes for allowing limited vertical movement of saidelongated member relative. to said mounting frame means; and

e. resilient pad fixedly engaged between a generally vertical portion ofsaid mounting frame means and a parallel

1. Vibratory ripper plow apparatus comprising: a. an elongated memberoriented generally vertically and having a lower portion forming aripper plow blade; b. vibration generating means affixed adjacent theupper end of said elongated member for producing vibratory movements ofsaid elongated member; c. mounting frame means having a clevislike hitchaffixed thereto for attaching said frame means to a draft device andallowing limited pivotal movements about a generally vertical axis; d. aconnecting link pivotally affixed adjacent one end to said elongatedmember below the longitudinal center of said elongated member andpivotally affixed adjacent the other end to said mounting frame means,the pivotal movements of each end of said link being about generallyhorizontal axes for allowing limited vertical movement of said elongatedmember relative to said mounting frame means; and e. resilient padfixedly engaged between a generally vertical portion of said mountingframe means and a parallel generally vertical portion of said elongatedmember, said pad means for substantially isolating the vibratorymovements of said elongated member from said mounting frame means. 2.Vibratory ripper plow apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein themounting frame means includes parallelogram-type apparatus for raisingand lowering the plow while retaining the elongated member in asubstantially vertical orientation.
 3. Vibratory ripper plow apparatusas set forth in claim 1 wherein the resilient pad means includes aplurality of spaced apart pads.